Keyboard wrist support

ABSTRACT

A keyboard wrist support including a platform adapted for being in a first, deployed position adjacent to the keyboard or a second, storage position in a plane below the keyboard. The wrist support further includes a pair of elongated support brackets, each having a first portion coupled to the platform and a second portion movably attached to a base. The wrist support provides the additional benefits of counterbalancing the weight of the computer display when the wrist support is used with a portable computer and providing leverage to the user for stabilization. The platform is pivotable with respect to the support brackets in order to permit the platform to be angled relative to the keyboard for optimum comfort and the base is slidable with respect to the support brackets in order to reduce the footprint of the support when the keyboard is not in use. Also described are embodiments in which the platform is slidable with respect to the keyboard.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/499,434 filed on Feb. 7, 2000, entitled KEYBOARD WRISTSUPPORT, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No.09/248,485 entitled KEYBOARD WRIST SUPPORT, filed on Feb. 11, 1999.

STATEMENTS REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As technology advances continue to permit significant reductionsin the size and cost of computer components, portable computers(sometimes referred to as “laptops” or “notebooks”) have becomeincreasingly popular. Also responsible for the growing popularity ofportable computers is the mobile culture of much of the businesscommunity. The relatively small size and light weight of portablecomputers makes them a valuable part of many businesses since theypermit data processing to be accomplished at locations remote from anoffice with minimal inconvenience.

[0004] Keyboards of any type, including those associated with portablecomputers, non-portable (or “desk top”) computers, and even typewriters,are notorious for causing hand and wrist injuries to frequent users due,in large part, to the position of the user's wrists relative to thekeyboard. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one such injury in which damage iscaused to finger tendons passing through the wrist.

[0005] Wrist supports, which are sometimes referred to as palm supports,or rests, can help to minimize and even prevent such injuries byelevating the user's palms and/or wrists with respect to the keyboard.For example, some keyboard operators use a padded support positionedadjacent to the front edge of the keyboard. In fact, many keyboardsupport trays include an integral padded support positioned adjacent tothe front edge of the keyboard in order to elevate the user's palms andwrists. While these conventional wrist supports can be useful inalleviating carpal tunnel syndrome and similar injuries, generally, theyare not conducive to portable computers due to their size and bulk.

[0006] One keyboard palm rest for a portable computer described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,596,481 to Liu et al. includes a palm support which ispivotable with respect to the computer chassis between a coveringposition and an elevated, palm support position. Another portablecomputer palm rest described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,482 to Horikoshiincludes a palm rest which can be used as both a computer handle and asa palm rest. The Horikoshi palm rest can also be rotated to an uprightpositioned for storage under the lid of the computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is directed to a keyboard wrist support for usewith both portable computers having integral keyboards and “stand-alone”keyboards of the type typically used with desk top computers. The wristsupport includes a pair of support brackets and a platform attached to afirst portion of the support brackets to support a user's palms and/orwrists. The platform is adapted to be in a first, wrist support positionadjacent to the keyboard when the keyboard is in use or in a second,storage position in a plane below the keyboard. In applications in whichthe wrist support is used with a portable computer, the platform ispositioned below a portion of the computer chassis when in the second,storage position.

[0008] In one embodiment, the wrist support further includes a basecoupled to the portable computer or stand-alone keyboard. The base ispivotably coupled to a second portion of the support brackets, such aswith the use of hinges. With this arrangement, the platform and supportbrackets are rotatable relative to the base, thereby permitting movementof the platform between the first and second positions.

[0009] The platform may be attached to the support brackets in a fixedmanner or, alternatively, may be movably attached in order to permitcertain position adjustments to be made for maximum user comfort andinjury prevention. For example, in one embodiment, the platform ispivotable with respect to the support brackets, thereby enabling theplatform to be positioned at a desired angle relative to the keyboard.The platform may also be vertically movable with respect to the supportbrackets, thereby enabling the platform to be raised and lowered withrespect to the keyboard.

[0010] The wrist support may be separate from the stand-alone keyboardor portable computer or, alternatively, may be integral with thekeyboard structure. For example, in one embodiment, the wrist support isremovably attached to the chassis of a portable computer, such as withthe use of pins.

[0011] The wrist support embodiments described herein advantageouslyprovide wrist comfort and injury prevention benefits without increasingthe overall size of the keyboard structure, both in the case of astand-alone keyboard and a portable computer. This is achieved by movingthe wrist support platform to the second, storage position in which theplatform is disposed below the plane of the keyboard when the keyboardis not in use.

[0012] An additional advantage is achieved when the wrist support isused in conjunction with a portable computer; namely to provide leverageand a counterbalance to the weight of the top portion of the computerchassis containing the display. In this way, the portable computerbecomes more stable and balanced during use. The dimensions and, inparticular, the depth of the wrist support platform may be increased inorder to enhance the leverage and counterbalance effects of the wristsupport.

[0013] In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, theplatform is slidable with respect to the keyboard when in the first,wrist support position. In one such embodiment, the platform includes afirst portion of a sliding mechanism, such as rails, and the supportbrackets include a second portion of the sliding mechanism, such ascomplementary grooves within which the platform rails are positioned. Inan alternative slidable embodiment, the portable computer chassisincludes grooves along opposite edges of the top surface of the chassiswhich are sized and shaped to receive rails extending from a bottomsurface of the platform. With these arrangements, the user can slide theplatform closer to or further away from the keyboard to achieve maximumcomfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing features of this invention, as well as theinvention itself, may be more fully understood from the followingdescription of the drawings in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wrist support according to theinvention, with the platform in a first, wrist support position;

[0016]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the wrist support of FIG. 1 withthe platform in a second, storage position;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an illustrative hinge coupling thebase of the wrist support to a support bracket;

[0018]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the wrist support platform and asupport bracket illustrating a pivotable feature of the platform;

[0019]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternate wrist support platformand support bracket illustrating a height adjustability feature of theplatform;

[0020]FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the wrist support base and a supportbracket illustrating a movable feature of the base;

[0021]FIG. 7 shows a portable computer having an integral wrist supportaccording to a further aspect of the invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of a portable computer havingan integral wrist support;

[0023]FIG. 9 shows a further alternate embodiment of a portable computerhaving an integral wrist support;

[0024]FIG. 10 shows the wrist support of FIGS. 1 and 2 in use with astand-alone keyboard;

[0025]FIG. 11 shows a further alternate wrist support having a slidablewrist support platform;

[0026]FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wrist supportof FIG. 11 taken along line 11-11;

[0027]FIG. 13 shows the wrist support of FIG. 11 in use with a portablecomputer;

[0028]FIG. 14 shows an alternate wrist support embodiment having aslidable wrist support platform; and

[0029]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the wrist support andcomputer of FIG. 14 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in which like elements are designatedwith like reference numbers, a wrist support 10 according to theinvention includes a platform 12 adapted for being in a first, palm orwrist support position, as shown, or in a second, storage position, asshown in FIG. 2 and described below. In the first position, referred toalternatively as the deployed position, the platform 12 is adapted tosupport the user's palms and/or wrists. While the structures describedherein are referred to as wrist supports, it will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art that they also may be accuratelyreferred to as palm supports or rests. The wrist support 10 furtherincludes a pair of elongated support brackets 18, 19, each having afirst portion 18 a, 19 a and a second portion 18 b, 19 b, respectively,and a base 14. The first and second portions of the support brackets maybe located adjacent to, or spaced from respective ends of the brackets.

[0031] The platform 12 is coupled to the first portion 18 a, 19 a ofeach of the support brackets 18, 19 and the base 14 is coupled to thesecond portion 18 b, 19 b of each of the support brackets 18, 19, asshown. More particularly, the base 14 is pivotably attached to thesecond portion of the support brackets as may be achieved with the useof hinges 40 a, 40 b. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat although hinges are shown here, the selection of a particular typeof pivotal fastener such as hinges 40 a, 40 b depends upon a variety offactors including but not limited to cost, ease of manufacture,aesthetics and dimensions of the individual portable computers. In someapplications, it may be desirable to provide one or more portions ofplatform 12 as integral pieces. For example, platform 12 and brackets18, 19 may be provided as a unitary piece using injection moldingtechniques.

[0032] The wrist support 10 is well suited for use with a portablecomputer 20 or with a stand-alone keyboard but is illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2 in use with a portable computer 20. The computer 20 has a chassis22 in which a keyboard 28 and a display 26 are contained. The keyboard28 contains a plurality of alphanumeric keys 28 a and may also include amouse 28 b or other user interface device. The chassis 22 includes abottom portion 24 which is movably coupled to the top, or displayportion 30 by a hinge so that the keyboard 28 and display 26 can beaccessed when the bottom chassis portion 24 and top chassis portion 26are separated by action of the hinge (i.e., when the portable computeris “open”) and so that the keyboard 28 and display 26 can be covered andprotected when the bottom chassis portion 24 and top chassis portion 26abut one another (i.e., when the portable computer is “closed”). Thebottom chassis portion 24 has a bottom surface 24 a having a length “1”and a width “w” defining the footprint of the computer.

[0033] The wrist support 10 is adapted to support the portable computer20, with at least a portion of the bottom surface 24 a of the chassispositioned on the top surface 16 of the base 14. Preferably, thecomputer is positioned on the base 14 such that the back edge 36 of theplatform 12 abuts the front edge 24 b of the computer chassis bottom 24.Preferably, the height of the platform 12 is selected to provide the topsurface 17 of the platform in or close to the same horizontal plane asthe keyboard 28, such as within a few centimeters. In accordance withfurther aspects of the invention, the platform position may beadjustable, as described below in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 5. Withthis arrangement, when portions of the user's palms and/or wrists reston the top surface 17 of the platform during keyboard operation,stresses on the hands and wrists are advantageously reduced.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the portable computer 20 ispositioned on the top surface 16 of the base 14, with a front edge 24 bof the chassis bottom 24 adjacent to the platform 17. However, it willbe appreciated that the computer 20 may be placed in various positionsrelative to the base 14 and the platform 12. For example, the front edge24 b of the computer chassis bottom 24 may be positioned forward of thefront edge 34 of the base, closer to the platform 12 or behind the frontedge 34 of the base.

[0035] In some instances, it may be desirable to removably secure thecomputer 20 to the base of the wrist support 10 in order to preventmovement of the computer relative to the wrist support. This removableattachment may be achieved in various ways, such as with the use of astrap, a Velcro™ fastener, a detent mechanism, or an adhesive to holdthe computer in place on the wrist support 10.

[0036] In use, portions of the palms and/or wrists of the computeroperator rest on the platform 12, thereby maintaining a comfortableposition relative to the keyboard.

[0037] Further, an additional benefit to the wrist support 10 is thatthe base 14 provides additional support and stability for the computer20 in use. Since portable computers are often placed on a user's lapduring use, additional support can be helpful to stabilize the computerin order to prevent it from tipping or otherwise moving on the user'slap. Further, the weight of the top chassis portion 30 may be largerelative to the overall weight of the computer, thereby resulting in atendency of the computer to tilt or tip backwards. When a user placestheir palms/wrists on the platform, the force applied to the support 10by the user provides leverage to balance the computer and tocounterbalance the weight of the top chassis portion 30.

[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments it may be desirable to weightthe support 10 itself so that the wrist support itself provides or aidsin providing support, both in the first, deployed position of FIG. 1 aswell as in the second, storage position of FIG. 2. In some applications,it may be desirable to increase the depth “d” of the platform beyondthat necessary to comfortably support the user's palms and/or wrists inorder to provide additional counterbalance to the weight of the displaychassis portion 30.

[0039] When the wrist support 10 is used with a portable computer whichprovides access to disk drives, CD-ROM drives, PCMCIA cards, batteries,and other computer peripherals and accessories via the front of thechassis, then the user can access such accessories by reaching below thedeployed platform 12. For portable computers in which one or more suchaccessories are accessible through the sides of the chassis, it may bedesirable to minimize the height “H” of the support brackets 18, 19 andthus, to provide the support brackets 18, 19 in the form of relativelythin rods which span only a small portion of the height of the chassisbottom 24. With this arrangement, access to such accessories is possibleeven when the wrist support is in the first deployed position shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, openings provided in selected regions of thewrist support can provide access to accessories or portions of theportable computer which may otherwise be blocked. Such openings may beexposed or covered by removable covers.

[0040] As noted, the wrist support 10 is also adapted for being in asecond, storage position as shown in FIG. 2. The wrist support 10 ismoved between the first, deployed position of FIG. 1 and the second,storage position of FIG. 2 by rotating the support brackets 18, 19 andthe platform 12 around the pivot point of the hinges 40 a, 40 b. Moreparticularly, the computer 20 can remain in position on the base 14while the support brackets 18, 19 and the platform 12 are rotated asshown by arrow 42 (FIG. 1) to provide the arrangement of FIG. 2.

[0041] In the storage position, the surface 15 of the platform 12 ispositioned under a rear portion of the chassis bottom 24. Preferably,the wrist support components are dimensioned so that, in the storageposition, the edge 38 of the platform 12 does not extend past a rearedge 24 c of the chassis bottom 24. Thus, the footprint of the wristsupport in its stored position is the same as, and possibly smallerthan, the footprint of the computer chassis. With this arrangement, thewrist support 10 provides all the benefits of conventional wristsupports, and the additional benefits of leverage and counterbalance,but without affecting the size and thus, portability of the computer 20.

[0042] The wrist support 10 may be manufactured from various materialsand its components may be comprised of the same or different materials.For example, preferably the platform surface 17 is padded for usercomfort. Preferred materials for the wrist support are lightweight andsturdy and include, but are not limited to, plastics, metals, andfiberglass.

[0043] The pivotable attachment between the base 14 and the supportbrackets 18, 19 may be achieved in various ways. Referring also to FIG.3, illustrative hinge 40 a is shown to include a flange 50 extendingsubstantially normal to the base surface 16 and having an aperture 52, acomplementary aperture 54 through the support bracket 19, and a fastener56. In the illustrative embodiment, the fastener 56 includes a screw 56a, which may be a captive screw, and a nut 56 b. It will be appreciatedby those of ordinary skill in the art however, that the fastenerhardware described in conjunction with this and other embodiments maytake various forms. For example, members 18, 19 can be coupled to base14 using a rivet, epoxy, ultrasonic or other bonding techniques, orwelding techniques. Typically, captive hardware is preferable in orderto prevent the hardware from falling out and being lost.

[0044] In assembly, the base 14 and support bracket 19 are aligned sothat the base flange aperture 52 is aligned with the support bracketaperture 54. The screw 56 a is then guided through the aligned aperturesand secured with the nut 56 b. The fastener 56 is tightened to an extentsufficient to prevent unassisted movement of the base 14 relative to thesupport brackets 18, 19 and platform, but also to permit assistedmovement of the wrist support between the first and second positions. Itwill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art however, thatvarious hinge and other types of arrangements are suitable to movablycouple the base 14 and the support brackets 18, 19 in such a way thatthe support brackets 18, 19 and platform 12 can be rotated about an axis66 to move the platform 12 between the first position of FIG. 1 and thesecond position of FIG. 2.

[0045] The platform 12 may be fixedly attached to the first portions 18a, 19 a of the support brackets 18, 19, respectively. Alternativelyhowever, the platform 12 may be movably attached to the support bracketsin order to permit certain position adjustments to be made. Such movableattachments include but are limited to a slotted arm and pin or alinkage type structure.

[0046] Referring also to FIG. 4, a pivotable coupling of the platform 12to the support brackets 18, 19 is illustrated. The platform 12 includesa flange 60 having a first aperture 62 and a second, elongated aperture64. The portion 19 b of the support bracket 19 to which the platform 12is attached includes apertures 68, 70, respectively. Also provided arefasteners 72, 74, each including a screw 72 a, 74 a and a nut 72 b, 74b. The platform apertures 62, 64 are aligned with the support bracketapertures 68, 79 and the screws 72 a, 74 a are guided through therespective apertures. The user can tilt the platform 12 to a desiredangle and then tighten the screws 72 a, 74 a to maintain the desiredposition. In particular, the screws are tightened to an extentsufficient to prevent the platform from moving from the desired angle,even under the weight of the user's palms and wrists. With thisarrangement, the platform surface 17 can be angled relative to thekeyboard for maximum comfort. It will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art however, that various arrangements aresuitable for movably coupling the platform 12 to the support brackets inorder to thereby permit the platform surface 17 to be angled relative tothe keyboard.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, platform embodiment 12′ illustrates a heightadjustment feature of the platform. The platform 12′ includes a flange60′ having a pair of slots 76, 78. Each of the slots 76, 78 has apattern which permits the platform to be raised and lowered for maximumcomfort.

[0048] In use, the platform slots 76, 78 are aligned with the supportbracket apertures 68, 70 and the screws 72 a, 74 a are guided throughthe respective slots to a user selected position. That is, each of theslots 76, 78 defines a plurality of positions 76 a, 76 b, 76 and 78 a,78 b, 78 c, respectively, corresponding to respective height of theplatform 12′.

[0049] The user selects a desired platform position by moving theplatform 12′ relative to the support brackets 18, 19 causing the screws72 a, 74 a to slide through the slots 76, 78 to one of the slotpositions. Once the platform is located in the desired height, thescrews are tightened to an extent sufficient to prevent the platformfrom moving from the desired height, even under the weight of the user'spalms and wrists. With this arrangement, the platform surface 17 can bevertically adjusted for maximum comfort. It will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art however, that various arrangements aresuitable for movably coupling the platform 12′ to the support bracketsin order to thereby permit the platform 12′ to be raised and loweredrelative to the keyboard. Further, it will be appreciated by those ofordinary skill in the art that the pivotable attachment of the platformto the support brackets shown in FIG. 4 may be combined with thevertically movable attachment of the platform and the support bracketsshown in FIG. 5 in order to provide a platform that is both pivotable toa desired angle and vertically moveable to a desired height relative tothe keyboard. It will also be appreciated that it is within the scope ofthe present invention to use alternative attachment mechanisms toachieve substantially the same relative motion between the components.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, an alternative hinge 40 b′ for coupling thebase 14 to the support brackets is shown. The hinge 40 b′ differs fromthe hinge 40 b of FIG. 3 in that the aperture at the portion 19 b of thesupport bracket 19 is a horizontally elongated aperture or slot 58having vertical slot positions 58 a, 58 b, and 58 c. In assembly, thebase 14 and support bracket 19 are aligned so that the base flangeaperture 52 is aligned with the support bracket aperture 58. The screw56 a is then guided through the aligned apertures and secured with thenut 56 b. The elongated bracket aperture 58 permits the base 14 to beslidably moved relative to the support brackets, as is illustrated bythe arrow 80 in FIG. 2. This feature advantageously permits the supportto be compacted for storage. It will be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art, that it may also be desirable to permit the platform12 to be slidably moved relative to the support brackets in order toeven further reduce the footprint of the wrist support 10. The verticalslot positions 58 a-58 c further permit the base 14 to be movedvertically relative to the support brackets.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, a portable computer 100 having an integralwrist support 102 is shown. The portable computer 100 has a chassis 104containing a data processor, a keyboard, and a display, as isconventional. The chassis 104 further includes a hinge 106 about which atop chassis portion 108 containing the display rotates relative to thebottom chassis portion 110 to open and close the computer.

[0052] The wrist support 102 includes a platform 116, a pair of supportbrackets 112 (only one of which is shown in the side view of FIG. 7),and a fastener 114. The fastener 114 couples the wrist support 102 tothe bottom chassis portion 110 and may take various forms. As oneexample, the fastener is provided in the form of a pin 114 which extendsinto the chassis bottom 110. The wrist support 102 may be removablycoupled or fixedly attached to the computer chassis. That is, in someinstances it may be desirable to permit the computer operator to removethe pins 114 and thereby remove the wrist support 102.

[0053] The wrist support 102 is rotatable, as illustrated by arrow 118,about the pin 114 between a first, deployed position (shown in dottedlines) in which the platform 116 is disposed adjacent to the keyboardcontained in the chassis bottom 110 and a second, storage position(shown by solid lines). In the storage position, the platform 116 ispositioned adjacent to a bottom surface portion of the chassis bottom110.

[0054] With this arrangement, the portable computer 100 is provided withthe advantages of a “built in” wrist support, leverage andcounterbalance for enhanced stability, but without increasing thefootprint of the computer as defined by the length “1” and width “w” ofthe chassis bottom (see FIG. 1). Only the height of the computerassembly is slightly increased due to the height “h” of the platform.This is achieved by providing a movable wrist support which, in use, isin a first deployed position adjacent to the keyboard and which iscapable of being stored in a second position underneath the computerchassis.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of a portablecomputer 120 having an integral wrist support 130 is shown. Portablecomputer 120, like computer 100 of FIG. 7, has a chassis 122 containinga data processor, a keyboard, and a display. The chassis 122 includes ahinge 124 about which a top chassis portion 122 rotates relative to abottom chassis portion 128 to open and close the computer.

[0056] The wrist support 130 includes a platform 132, a pair of supportbrackets 134 coupled to the platform with a pair of platform fasteners138 and a pair of chassis fasteners 136. Only one chassis fastener 136,one support bracket 134 and one platform fastener 138 are shown in theside view of FIG. 8. The chassis fastener 136 couples the wrist support130 to the chassis bottom 128 and may take various forms. In theillustrative embodiment, the chassis fastener 136 is provided in theform of a pin which extends into the chassis bottom. The pin 136 may ormay not be removable in order to permit removal of the wrist support 130from the computer 120.

[0057] The wrist support 130 is rotatable about the pin 136, therebyenabling the support to be in a first, deployed position (shown bydotted lines) in which the platform 132 is disposed adjacent to thekeyboard contained in the chassis bottom 128 and a second, storageposition (shown by solid lines).

[0058] The chassis bottom 128 differs from the chassis bottom 110 (FIG.7) in that the former includes an indentation 140. The platform 132 ispositioned in the indentation 140 when the support 130 is in the second,storage position. With this arrangement, the advantages of an integralwrist support which also provides leverage and counterbalance forenhanced stability are provided without increasing the overalldimensions of the computer.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 9, a further alternate embodiment of a portablecomputer 150 having an integral wrist support 160 is shown. The portablecomputer 150 is substantially identical to the computer 120 of FIG. 8and includes a chassis 152 having a bottom portion 154 and a top portion156.

[0060] The wrist support 160 includes a platform 162, a pair of supportbrackets 164 coupled to the platform with a pair of platform fasteners168 and a pair of chassis fasteners 170. Only one chassis fastener 170,one support bracket 164 and one platform fastener 168 are shown in theside view of FIG. 9. The chassis fastener 170 couples the wrist support160 to the chassis bottom 154 and may take various forms. In theillustrative embodiment, the chassis fastener 170 is provided in theform of a pin which extends into the chassis bottom 154. The pin may ormay not be removable in order to permit removal of the wrist support 160from the computer 150.

[0061] The wrist support 150 is rotatable about the pin 180, therebyenabling the support to be in a storage position (shown by solid lines)in which the platform is positioned below a portion of the chassisbottom 154 or a deployed position (shown by dotted lines). Moreparticularly, to move the wrist support 160 from the storage position tothe deployed position, the platform 162 is rotated outward to anintermediate position labeled 188. The platform 162 can then be rotatedrelative to the support bracket 164 about the pin 168 to the outward,deployed position labeled 190.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 10, the wrist support 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 isshown for use with a stand-alone keyboard 200. The mode of operation ofthe wrist support 10 in connection with the keyboard 200 issubstantially identical to its use with the portable computer 20 (FIG.1). In particular, the keyboard 200 is placed on the surface 16 of thebase 14 and the user's palms and/or wrists can rest on the surface 17 ofthe platform 12 when the platform is in the deployed position shown inFIG. 10. When the wrist support is moved to the storage position (FIG.2), the platform 12 is positioned in a plane below the keyboard 200. Aswith the portable computer, when used with a standalone keyboard 200,the wrist support 10 provides advantageous wrist support benefits(increased user comfort and injury prevention) and also providesleverage to stabilize the keyboard.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, a further wrist support 210 accordingto the invention includes a platform 214 and a pair of elongated supportbrackets 216, 218. The platform 214 is slidably attached to the supportbrackets 216, 218 in order to permit the platform to be moved in and outalong an axis 220 (FIG. 13) relative to a keyboard, such as theillustrated keyboard 222 of a portable computer 224. In someembodiments, the platform can also move between deployed and storagepositions as discussed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0064] The particular location of the brackets and platform are selectedsuch that the platform provides an ergonomically preferred position fora user's hands, wrists and arms. For example, the height of the platformabove the keyboard as well as the angle of the top surface of theplatform 214 is preferably selected with ergonomic considerations.

[0065] This arrangement advantageously accommodates differentpreferences amongst users as to the most comfortable distance for one'spalms, or wrists to be located with respect to the keyboard 222 as wellas different keyboard positions relative to the chassis 234 of theportable computer. That is, different computer manufacturers positionthe keyboard 222 at different locations within the footprint of thecomputer chassis. It may be desirable to slide the wrist support inward,toward the open screen 236 when the keyboard is positioned relativelyclose to the open screen; whereas it may desirable to pull the wristsupport outward in cases in which the keyboard is positioned toward themiddle of the computer chassis or near its front edge.

[0066] Each of the support brackets 216, 218 includes a pivot mechanism230 by which the wrist support 210 is movably coupled to the computerchassis 234. In the illustrative embodiment, the mechanism 230corresponds to a pivot mechanism provided in the form of a pin which issized and shaped to engage a respective detent in the computer chassis.Like the above-described arrangements, with this particular pivotarrangement, the platform 214 is adapted for being in a first, wristsupport position in which the platform is disposed adjacent to the frontedge 226 of the computer chassis 234 or in a second, storage position inwhich the platform is disposed below the chassis (not shown).

[0067] Rails 240, 242 extend from the bottom surface 248 of the platform214 adjacent to respective edges. The rails 240 are sized and shaped toengage respective grooves 250238, 242 in the top edge of supportbrackets 216, 218, respectively. In use, the rails 240, 242 are movablewithin the respective grooves 238, 242 to permit the platform 214 toslide relative to the support brackets 216, 218.

[0068] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatthe rail and groove arrangement shown and described on conjunction withFIGS. 11-13 is one of many possible engagement mechanisms that can beused to achieve sliding engagement of the platform 214 relative to thesupport brackets and thus, also relative to the computer chassis 230 towhich the support brackets are pivotably coupled. It will also beappreciated that the location of the sliding mechanism with respect tothe support brackets 216, 218 and the platform 214 may be varied. As oneexample, the platform 214 may have sides overhanging the edges of thesupport brackets in which the slidable mechanism is positioned.

[0069] It will further be appreciated that the forwardmost position ofthe platform (nearest the open screen 236) and the rearmost position ofthe platform (furthest from the open screen) can be varied by varyingthe length of the grooves 238, 242 in the support brackets. In general,it is desirable that the forwardmost platform position be toward themiddle of the chassis and that the rearmost position of the platform besuch that at least part of the platform extends beyond the forward edge226 of the chassis. Thus, the platform 214 is movable over and in frontof the chassis.

[0070] An additional feature of the wrist support 210 is provided by acutout 246 in the rear edge 244 of the platform 214. The cutout 246permits access to a mouse mechanism, such as the illustrated touch pad(FIG. 13), without requiring that the rear edge 244 of the platform bepositioned forward of the mouse mechanism. In this way, maximumflexibility of wrist position relative to the keyboard is provided.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a further alternate wrist support250 includes a slidable coupling between the wrist support platform 252and the chassis 256 of a portable computer 258. The wrist support 250differs from wrist support 210 of FIGS. 11-13 in that the platform 252is slidable with respect to the chassis itself (as opposed to beingslidable with respect to the support brackets, as in the case of wristsupport 210).

[0072] The wrist support 250 includes brackets 260, 262, each having afirst end 260 a, 262 a pivotably coupled to the chassis 256 and a secondend 260 b, 262 b coupled to the platform 252. Again, various mechanismsare suitable for pivotably coupling the first bracket ends 260 a, 262 ato the chassis, including a pin arrangement. With this arrangement, theplatform 252 is adapted for being in a first, wrist support position inwhich the platform is disposed adjacent to the front surface of thecomputer chassis 256, as shown in FIG. 14 or in a second, storageposition in which the platform is disposed below the chassis (notshown). The coupling between the second ends 260 b, 262 b of thebrackets and the platform 252 may be fixed or pivotable [CORRECT?].

[0073] A pair of rails 264, 266 extends from the bottom surface 268 ofthe platform 252 as shown in FIG. 15. Grooves 270, 272 are provided inthe top surface of the chassis along either edge, as shown. When theplatform is in the wrist support position, the platform rails 264, 266engage respective chassis grooves 270, 272 permitting the platform to bemoved in and out along axis 274 in order to permit optimum placement ofthe user's wrists relative to the keyboard 280 of the portable computer.The platform 256 includes a cutout 276 through which a mouse mechanism282 can be accessed. [PLEASE DESCRIBE AND SHOW DETAILS AS TO HOW THEPLATFORM RAILS DISENGAGE THE CHASSIS GROOVES TO PERMIT THE PLATFORM TOBE ROTATED FOR STORAGE]

[0074] It will be appreciated that in all of the above-describedembodiments, various factors, such as the position of the pivot pointbetween the support brackets and the computer chassis and the thicknessof the platform, can be readily varied in order to vary the height ofthe platform relative to the computer keyboard. For example, in theembodiment of FIGS. 14-15, the top surface of the platform sits abovethe top surface of the chassis and the keyboard by approximately thethickness of the platform and thus, varying the thickness of theplatform will vary the height of the user's wrists relative to thekeyboard.

[0075] Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention, itwill now become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that otherembodiments incorporating their concepts may be used.

[0076] For example, it may be desirable to provide a locking mechanismto permit the wrist support 10 to be locked in either the first,deployed position or the second, storage position in order to preventinadvertent movement of the wrist support between the two positions.

[0077] It is felt therefore that these embodiments should not be limitedto disclosed embodiments but rather should be limited only by the spiritand scope of the appended claims. All publications and references citedherein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable computer comprising: a chassiscontaining a data processor, an alphanumeric keyboard, a display and asupport structure; a wrist support comprising a platform adapted tosupport a user's palms or wrists, wherein said platform is slidablycoupled to the support structure in said chassis and wherein, when inuse, said wrist support is movable with respect to said keyboard suchthat said wrist support moves in a plane above a plane in which thekeyboard is disposed and said wrist support can move over a surface ofsaid chassis which is in the same plane as the keyboard, and whereinsaid wrist support is provided having a width substantially equal to thewidth of said chassis and having a length such that when said wristsupport is in a closed position the wrist support covers a surface ofsaid chassis which is in the same plane as the keyboard; and a platformwhich is substantially coplanar with respect to said keyboard.